Top Assault & Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer in Adams County
When you are accused of an assault or violent crime in Adams County, the consequences can be immediate and severe. These cases often move fast, involve aggressive prosecutors, and can carry penalties that affect your freedom, your record, and your future. At Pav Law, we provide experienced, strategic criminal defense for clients charged with assault and violent offenses throughout Adams County, including Thornton, Westminster, Brighton, Commerce City, and Federal Heights.
Adams County is part of Colorado’s 17th Judicial District, which is known for taking violent crime allegations seriously. Early intervention by a skilled defense attorney can make a critical difference in how your case is charged, negotiated, or tried.
Understanding Assault and Violent Crime Charges in Adams County
Colorado law recognizes several levels of assault, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. In Adams County, prosecutors commonly file:
- Third-Degree Assault (often a misdemeanor involving bodily injury)
- Second-Degree Assault (a felony involving serious injury, weapons, or protected victims)
- First-Degree Assault (a serious felony involving extreme injury or deadly weapons)
- Menacing
- Reckless Endangerment
- Crimes of Violence sentence enhancements
Many assault charges arise from bar fights, domestic disputes, road rage incidents, or misunderstandings that escalate quickly. What may start as an argument can result in an arrest if law enforcement believes force or threats were involved.
How Assault Cases Are Prosecuted in Adams County
Law enforcement agencies in Adams County—including Thornton Police Department, Westminster Police Department, Brighton Police Department, and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office—frequently make mandatory arrests in assault-related cases. Officers often rely heavily on:
- Statements made at the scene
- Visible injuries or photographs
- 911 recordings
- Witness accounts that may be incomplete or biased
Once charges are filed, Adams County prosecutors often push for no-contact orders, jail time, and probation conditions, even in first-time cases. This is why having a defense attorney early in the process is essential.
Penalties for Assault and Violent Crimes
Penalties depend on the level of the charge and whether aggravating factors are alleged. Convictions may result in:
- Jail or prison time
- Mandatory probation
- Anger management or domestic violence classes
- Permanent criminal records
- Firearm restrictions
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Felony assault convictions can carry years in prison and long-term collateral consequences. Even misdemeanor convictions can impact employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Common Defenses to Assault Charges
At Pav Law, we do not treat assault cases as one-size-fits-all. We carefully examine every detail to identify defenses such as:
- Self-defense or defense of others
- Lack of intent
- False or exaggerated allegations
- Mutual combat
- Inconsistent witness statements
- Insufficient evidence of injury
- Unlawful police conduct or improper charging
In Adams County cases, it is not uncommon for charges to be over-filed initially. Our goal is often to reduce or dismiss charges before trial whenever possible—while always preparing as if the case will go to court.
Crimes of Violence Enhancements
Some assault cases in Adams County are filed as Crimes of Violence, which can trigger mandatory prison sentences if convicted. These enhancements are often based on allegations involving:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Serious bodily injury
- Threats with a weapon
We aggressively challenge these enhancements and scrutinize whether the facts actually support the prosecutor’s claims.
Why Local Experience in Adams County Matters
The 17th Judicial District has its own prosecutors, judges, and court procedures. Knowing how cases are typically handled in Adams County District Court and County Court gives your defense a real advantage. Pav Law understands how local law enforcement investigates these cases and how prosecutors build them.
We tailor every defense strategy to the real-world practices of Adams County courts, not just the statute book.
How Pav Law Defends Assault & Violent Crime Cases
When you hire Pav Law, we immediately begin building your defense by:
- Reviewing police reports and body camera footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Preserving surveillance and physical evidence
- Identifying constitutional violations
- Negotiating with prosecutors from a position of strength
- Preparing for trial when necessary
We are trial-ready and negotiation-smart. Prosecutors know when a defense team is prepared to fight—and that can change the outcome of your case.

Speak With an Adams County Assault Defense Attorney Today
If you or a loved one is facing assault or violent crime charges in Adams County, do not wait. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options you may have.
Pav Law proudly defends clients throughout Adams County, including Thornton, Westminster, Brighton, Commerce City, and surrounding communities. We handle both misdemeanor and felony assault cases and are committed to protecting your rights at every stage.
📞 Contact Pav Law today for a confidential consultation. Your future is worth defending.
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